Dear Gentle Readers,
It is time for me to spill the tea now that Season 3 of Bridgerton has been released in two exciting phases, and many of us have indulged in all the episodes. Let’s dive right in!
Fashion Extravaganza: Shonda Rhimes never disappoints, especially regarding the fashion in Bridgerton. This season she dazzled us with period dresses in a rainbow of colors, adorned with intricate bows, brooches, and flowers. While the spotlight was on Penelope, I couldn’t help but be captivated by Eloise’s style. Her detailed short-waisted jackets and fancy bowed dresses were beautiful. And let’s not forget the hairstyles! Queen Charlotte once again stole the show with her extravagant wigs, including one with an actual moving swan scene! Penelope’s elegant hair, adorned with dainty bows and barrettes, added a charming touch to her look. And the balls were fabulous, those synchronized dances were amazing. They are the equivalent of today’s line dancing, but sign me up if it comes back in style!
Plot Twists and Turns: This season featured the love story of Penelope (aka Lady Whistledown) and Colin Bridgerton – an unlikely couple with a captivating journey. Colin volunteers to help Penelope find a suitor, but when her proposal from Lord Debling falls through, they find comfort in each other. The season didn’t shy away from steamy love scenes, although I found some of Penelope’s scenes awkward. Seeing her in compromising positions felt off, as she seemed almost too innocent for such adult roles. Despite a few twists and turns, they eventually make it to the altar, but Colin sleeps on the couch on their wedding night. It left me wondering – why get married? Penelope’s struggles with giving up her Lady Whistledown identity to become a wife added mystery to the plot. So, Penelope finally gets her man, and she says.. I don’t know if I want to give up writing as Lady Whistledown to become a wife. Was I the only one thinking – Do you have a choice? How long did it take YOU to get a man?
Friendships and Rivalries: Eloise Bridgerton and Penelope’s friendship hit a rough patch this season due to Penelope’s secret identity. Eloise befriends Cressida Cowpar, who is glad to have found a friend in Eloise but her and her family’s goal was to be recognized by the queen as the season’s Diamond and to find a husband. I did not see this coming, but in Cressida’s desperation to gain the queen’s attention, she was able to try to bring Penelope down by revealing her identity or blackmailing the Bridgerton family. She had some leverage until everything backfired, forcing her to leave town.
New Diamonds and Love Interests: The beautiful shy third daughter, Francesca Bridgerton caught the eye of Queen Charlotte to be the Diamond this season. She respectfully accepted the courtship of an arranged suitor, but eventually was drawn to John Stirling the Earl of Kilmartin, who shared her interest in music. The Bridgerton matriarch, Violet, reluctantly accepts her daughter’s decision to marry John in a quick ceremony and we are left to wonder what adventures await them in Scotland.
Benedict Bridgerton’s Journey: Benedict, the debonair-eligible bachelor, finds a new love interest in the widow Lady Tilley Arnold but also finds himself in a compromising ménage à trois. While these scenes felt out of place, they served as a way for Benedict to explore his identity. I’m curious to see how his character will evolve in the next season.
Hopes for Future Seasons: Season 3 was a rollercoaster of emotions – entertaining yet somewhat disappointing. I wanted more screen time for Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma, especially with the revelation of their pregnancy and plans to travel to India. The budding relationship between Violet Bridgerton and Lord Anderson (Lady Danbury’s brother) also deserved more attention. And of course, I wanted more of Queen Charlotte – what does she do when she’s not orchestrating the affairs of the young maidens?
As I sign off, I hope I’ve left you with some delightful tea to think about. Peace and blessings until we meet again.
Respectfully, La La (Whistledown)
La La Whistledown,
I enjoyed your detailed comments regarding Bridgerton. I too wished for more screen time of various members of the Ton. I hope Shonda will hear our pleas and we see so much more of our beloved families and their never dull lives.